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Boy Scout Jamboree

Centennial Celebration at 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree

July 26-August 4

Submitted by: Jamboree Public Affairs Officer Jerry Snyder

On a beautiful Virginia summer day thousands of scouts marched to songs and cadence to the 2010 National Scout Jamboree arena show. Patriotic Boy Scout flag bearers proudly hoisted the American flag high above the formations.

In fact, the arena event they came to see was all about patriotism. The red, white and blue was in every corner of the outdoor arena and everyone, including the Forest Service Jamboree conservation trail staff were excited about the ceremonious show to come.

Smokey Bear walked among the crowd and received hugs and high fives from enthusiastic scouts. Smokey is known internationally for his fire prevention messages and friendly safety advice.

When all were seated, a special speaker was introduced, a former Eagle Scout and current Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, who spoke directly to the soul of each scout in the audience.

“To think of our nation in the years to come,” Gates said, “and I believe for the future itself, depends on the kind of people we modern Americans prove to be, and above all the kind of citizens our young people will be. I believe today, as in the past 100 years, there is no finer program for preparing American boys for citizenship and leadership than the Boy Scouts of American,” he said.

The arenas’ masses erupted in applauses as he thanked them and left the stage. Only to be replaced by the U.S. Air force precision drill team. The squad’s close order drill maneuvers rightly impressed the assemblage. Bayonet clad rifles hurdled over the heads of the airmen only to fall perfectly in place, cradled firmly in white gloved hands.

Festivities ended with the blast of cannon fire and the lowering of the American flag. Not from a flag pole, but from the skies overhead and tethered to a parachutist. The spectacle left the crowd cheering as sharply dress scouts sprinted to catch the flag before it ever hit the ground.

For all that this National Scout Jamboree means to us, many of our world partners in scouting came to celebrate with us. Scout troops from Saudi Arabia, Korea, Japan and other countries enjoyed the extravaganza as much as anyone.

If you think about it, there is a lesson about partnership here, as in our collaboration success in conservation management, our partners that share in the celebration of success makes those successes all the more sweeter.